The family of a woman who died while studying at the University of Bristol have launched a crowdfunding appeal to pay for legal representation at an inquest.

Natasha Abrahart, who was a second-year Physics student at the university, was only 20 years old when she was found dead in her flat in Park Street on April 30.

An inquest into Natasha's death is scheduled to take place over three weeks in May 2019 and her family have said legal costs are already starting to add up.

Natasha's parents, Robert and Margaret Abrahart, are hoping to raise up to £50,000 to allow the family legal representation at the inquest. Robert and Margaret, who are funding the case themselves have detailed the in-depth reasons for launching the appeal on their crowdfunding page.

"We need to fully understand the events that led up to her death and, hopefully, to ensure that students around the country are made safer. It is essential that all interested parties, including our family, have access to properly funded legal representation."

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On the page, both Margaret and Robert have stressed their appeal is not just about their daughter.

Writing on the crowdfunding page, Natasha's parents said: "It is difficult for us as parents to accept the enormity and awfulness of what has happened. People at Natasha’s funeral asked “Why has this happened?”

"This is the question we’re now trying to get answered in court. If we understand what happened, we can do something about it. We want answers that will benefit new and returning students, especially vulnerable students who are at risk. To do this we need your support. Please contribute now and share this page with your friends, family and on social media."

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Government ultimatum on mental health

In June 2018, universities minister Sam Gyimah issued an ultimatum to university vice-chancellors on mental health, saying in The Guardian: “There are some vice-chancellors who think that university is about training the mind and all of these things are extra that they don’t have to deal with.

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